What Are Electrical & Non-Electrical Accessory Covers in Car Insurance (2025 Guide)

When you buy a car, you often add accessories to enhance comfort, performance, or style — from fancy audio systems to custom seat covers or alloy wheels. But did you know that most standard car insurance policies don’t automatically cover these add-ons?

That’s where Electrical and Non-Electrical Accessory Covers come into play. These valuable add-ons ensure your accessories are protected from accidental damage, theft, or other risks.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about electrical and non-electrical accessory covers in car insurance, how they work, their benefits, and how to buy them online using trusted platforms like the Square Insurance App.

Understanding the Basics: What Are Car Accessories?

Car accessories refer to extra features or devices installed in your vehicle to improve its look, comfort, or functionality.

They are divided into two main categories:

1. Electrical Accessories – Devices that run on your car’s electrical system.
2. Non-Electrical Accessories – Features that don’t require electrical power.

These accessories add significant value to your car, which is why protecting them through suitable insurance add-ons is important.

What Are Electrical Accessories in Car Insurance?

Electrical accessories are devices connected to your car’s electrical or electronic system. These are typically aftermarket installations that enhance entertainment, safety, or navigation.

Examples of Electrical Accessories:

• Music systems and stereo players
• GPS navigation units
• LCD screens and infotainment systems
• Reverse parking cameras and sensors
• Fog lights and LED lights
• Dashboard cameras (dash cams)
• Security alarms or anti-theft devices

If you install any of these accessories after purchasing your car, their value won’t be covered automatically by your comprehensive car insurance policy.

To protect them, you need to opt for an Electrical Accessories Cover Add-on.

What Are Non-Electrical Accessories in Car Insurance?

Non-electrical accessories are enhancements that don’t rely on electrical components. They mainly improve the look, comfort, or aesthetics of your car.

Examples of Non-Electrical Accessories:

• Alloy wheels
• Seat covers (leather or custom-made)
• Exterior chrome fittings
• Body kits and spoilers
• Roof rails
• Custom paint jobs or wraps

These accessories may cost thousands of rupees, and if they get damaged in an accident, you may not be compensated unless you’ve opted for a Non-Electrical Accessories Cover.

Why Standard Car Insurance Doesn’t Cover Accessories

A regular comprehensive car insurance policy covers only the manufacturer-fitted components of your car — that means parts and systems included when the vehicle was first sold.

Any accessories added later are considered modifications or aftermarket installations, which aren’t included in the default Insured Declared Value (IDV) of your policy.

That’s why insurers provide separate add-on covers to protect electrical and non-electrical accessories. You can declare their cost and include them in your policy by paying a nominal additional premium.

How Electrical & Non-Electrical Accessory Covers Work

When you opt for these add-ons, the insurer calculates the value of your accessories and adds it to your car’s total IDV (Insured Declared Value).

For example:
Let’s say your car’s IDV is ₹8,00,000. You’ve installed accessories worth ₹50,000 — ₹30,000 electrical and ₹20,000 non-electrical.

After adding these accessories:
Total IDV = ₹8,50,000

Now, if any of these accessories are stolen or damaged in an accident, you’ll be compensated based on their declared value after applying depreciation.

Benefits of Electrical & Non-Electrical Accessory Covers

Adding these covers to your car insurance policy provides multiple benefits:

1. Comprehensive Protection for Add-ons

You get full financial protection for your valuable accessories, ensuring peace of mind against theft, damage, or accidents.

2. Minimal Extra Premium

The cost of these add-ons is usually low compared to the value they protect. You can secure expensive gadgets and fittings for just a small increase in premium.

3. Accurate Claim Settlement

Including accessory values in your policy ensures the insurer correctly assesses your car’s total worth and claim amount.

4. Ideal for Modified or Premium Cars

If you’ve upgraded your car with high-end tech or custom interiors, these covers are essential to prevent out-of-pocket losses.

How to Calculate the Premium for Accessory Covers

The premium for electrical and non-electrical accessory covers depends on:

• The value of the accessories installed
• The depreciation rate applicable
• The type of vehicle and insurance company’s policy

Typically, insurers charge around 4% to 5% of the accessory value as the premium amount.

For instance:
If your electrical accessories are worth ₹30,000, your additional premium may be around ₹1,200 to ₹1,500 annually.

Depreciation Rules on Accessories

Depreciation affects how much compensation you’ll receive for damaged accessories.
The standard rates applied by insurers are:

Declaring accurate accessory values at the time of policy purchase or renewal ensures smooth claim processing.

How to Add Electrical and Non-Electrical Covers to Your Policy

You can easily include these add-ons while buying or renewing your car insurance policy.

Here’s how:

1. Visit your insurance provider’s website or app.
2. Enter your car details and select “Add-ons” or “Riders.”
3. Choose Electrical Accessories Cover and Non-Electrical Accessories Cover.
4. Declare the value of each accessory.
5. Pay the revised premium and receive the updated policy instantly.

For a simple and transparent process, download the Square Insurance App.
Compare car insurance plans, add or remove covers, and renew policies quickly from one platform.

Download here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square.squareinsurance&hl=en_IN

Documents Required to Insure Accessories

When you declare accessories, insurers may ask for:

• Purchase invoice of accessories
• Installation proof (for electrical items)
• Car inspection (if required)

Providing accurate details ensures your add-ons are properly included and claims are processed smoothly.

Who Should Opt for These Covers?

You should definitely consider these add-ons if you:

• Have installed expensive sound systems, sensors, or screens
• Own a luxury or modified vehicle
• Drive in high-traffic or accident-prone areas
• Want to maintain the resale value of your car
• Prefer complete peace of mind and financial security

Conclusion

Your car is more than just a mode of transport — it’s a reflection of your personality and comfort. Every accessory you install enhances that experience.

But without proper coverage, these valuable additions are vulnerable to theft, fire, or damage.

That’s why opting for Electrical and Non-Electrical Accessory Covers in car insurance is a wise decision. They offer affordable yet comprehensive protection, ensuring that your car and all its enhancements are fully secured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1. What are electrical accessories in car insurance?
Electrical accessories include devices like music systems, reverse cameras, GPS units, and fog lights powered by your car’s electrical system.

Q.2. What are non-electrical accessories in car insurance?
Non-electrical accessories are cosmetic or comfort add-ons such as alloy wheels, seat covers, spoilers, and body kits.

Q.3. Are accessories covered under a normal car insurance policy?
No, standard car insurance covers only factory-fitted parts. You must opt for electrical and non-electrical add-on covers for extra accessories.

Q.4. How can I insure my car’s accessories?
You can declare the accessory value and buy the covers while purchasing or renewing your policy through trusted platforms or insurance apps.

Q.5. Why should I get accessory covers for my car?
Accessory covers protect your costly upgrades from damage, theft, or accidents — offering full financial security for your customized car.